The Latest: Tour bus company says it wants ‘safer streets’

ALBANY, N.Y. — The Latest on a lawmaker’s call for tougher rules for New York City’s double-decker tour buses (all times local):

6:15 p.m.

The largest provider of bus tours in New York City says it looks forward to working with a state lawmaker “to promote safer streets.”

Democratic state Sen. Brad Hoylman on Monday urged the state to beef up rules for tourist buses. He says legal loopholes allow tour buses to skirt safety and regulatory rules that apply to other kinds of buses.

Twin America LLC operates the bus companies Gray Line New York and CitySights NY. Spokesman Joshua Knoller says the company complies with all city regulations.

Double-decker tourist buses don’t have to follow the same laws requiring driver medical exams and driving tests. They are exempt from laws barring sex offenders from driving other kinds of buses and aren’t held to the same insurance regulations.

Lawmakers could take up the issue after reconvening in January.

10:55 a.m.

A New York lawmaker is raising concerns about double-decker sightseeing buses in New York City, arguing tougher regulations are needed to protect tourists, pedestrians and other motorists.

Democratic State Sen. Brad Hoylman, of Manhattan, on Monday urged the state to beef up its rules for the tourist vehicles. He says several legal loopholes allow the buses to skirt the safety and regulatory rules that apply to other kinds of buses.

Double-decker tourist buses don’t have to follow the same laws requiring driver medical exams and driving tests. They are exempt from laws barring sex offenders from driving other kinds of buses, and they aren’t held to the same insurance regulations.

Hoylman wants tighter rules and new safety regulations for the industry. Lawmakers could take up the issue after reconvening in January.

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